Join us for a half-day event showcasing technology offerings in areas such as marketing, data management and CRM, ticketing, online program notes, audience engagement apps, in-hall concert technologies, and more. Get to know the companies behind these offerings, learn how your peers are innovating with technology, and pick up tips and tricks for creative ways to take better advantage of the tools you have.

The Tech Fair will take place in the Exhibit Area, with presentations in adjoining rooms. Once confirmed, the schedule of presentations will be posted online.

No additional cost. The Tech Fair is included in your Conference registration!

Location: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Transportation will be provided.

Speaker(s): Afa Dworkin, President and Artistic Director, Sphinx Organization; Mark Hanson, President and CEO, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Jonathon Heyward, Music Director, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Deborah Rutter, Vice Provost for the Arts, Duke University; and Simon Woods, President and CEO, League of American Orchestras

The opening keynote address will be given by arts and culture leader Deborah Rutter. Currently Duke University’s Vice Provost for the Arts, Rutter believes more than ever that arts organizations—and orchestras everywhere—must connect with the hearts and minds of community stakeholders. She will address strategies and approaches that create innovative and genre-expansive programming, develop broader audiences, sustain support, and lead to meaningful and transformational change.

Another highlight of the opening will be the presentation of the League’s Gold Baton award to the Sphinx Organization. The Sphinx Organization is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of the arts. Through Education & Access, Artist Development, Performing Artists, and Arts Leadership, it develops and supports representation and excellence in classical music at every level: creative youth development, artist empowerment, career advancement, administrative leadership, and service to the field.

The opening will also feature three performances by young musicians. The Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra led by Principal Conductor Christopher Cicconi will perform Jonathan Leshnoff’s Rush, OrchKids Symphonic Wind Ensemble conducted by Jonathan Villegas will perform Katahj Copley’s Riptides, and OrchKids Brass Band led by Jared Perry will perform Fire, a traditional New Orleans Brass Band Tune infused and expanded with original student compositions.

The Opening Session has been generously co-sponsored by Akustiks, HGA Architects & Engineers, and Schuler Shook.

Speaker(s): Lara Downes, Pianist and NPR Host; David Hyslop, Arts Consultant; Alan Mason, Board Chair, League of American Orchestras; Melissa Ngan, President and CEO, American Composers Orchestra; Arturo O’Farrill, Jazz Musician and Composer; Curtis Stewart, Artistic Director, American Composers Orchestra; Jennifer Teisinger, Executive Director, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra; and Simon Woods, President and CEO, League of American Orchestras

During the Closing Luncheon on Wednesday, June 3, we’ll hold the League’s Annual Meeting and present the Gold Baton award to David Hyslop for nearly seven decades in leadership roles throughout the orchestra field, including his unprecedented service as interim CEO at 14 orchestras around the country of all budget sizes. Hyslop was CEO of the Minnesota Orchestra (1991-2003), the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (1978-1991), and the Oregon Symphony (1972-1978). During the Annual Meeting, members will also elect the people who represent the orchestra field on the League Board.

Conference concludes with an inspirational sneak peek of “The Declaration Project,” featuring pianist and NPR host Lara Downes and jazz musician and composer Arturo O’Farrill in performance and conversation. This groundbreaking project for piano and orchestra weaves together music and personal narrative in a contemporary declaration of our collective hopes, struggles, and untold histories, and will premiere with the American Composers Orchestra in New York in July 2026.

No additional cost. The Closing Luncheon is included in your Conference registration!

The Closing Session has been generously sponsored by BMI.